Buying Guide: 8 best in-ear headphones available today

Best in-ear headphones

As much as we love the sound and bass performance of big, hulking over-ear headphones, there are some situations where they simply tend to cause more problems than they’re worth.

Whether you’re at the gym, traveling, or just hanging out, sometimes you just want something a little more compact, something that won’t weigh you down, or maybe even a pair of headphones that’s sweat-proof. For these specialties, you’re speaking precisely of what in-ear headphones have to offer.

We’re on a mission to provide you with the best in-ear headphones around. As such, we’ve corralled our top-rated reviews so that you can do all your research and make a purchase in one place.

In-ear headphones hone in on portability and convenience as main draws. Unfortunately, that sharp focus can result in features like sound performance and design taking a back seat in several in-ear options in the market.

The Beyerdynamic iDX 160 iE buck that trend by providing a stunning balance in its sound quality, feature set and design.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free set of wireless in-ear headphones, the Jaybird X2 are an easy pick. The price might seem high, but the performance, ease of use and included goodies more than make up for the cost.

If you find yourself wanting to explore the world of wireless headphones, this is a nearly perfect place to get started. Although Optoma is more known for its projectors, the BE6 prove that the company is to be taken seriously in the headphone department, too.

These $129 earphones offer a slick, compact design and sound just as good, if not better, than a trusty set of wired headphones. The six hour battery is a little disappointing, but as the only flaw in this package, it’s easy to overlook.

Not only do these look the part, similar in style to a fancy set of tortoise-patterned eyeglasses, they sound awesome and are comfortable enough to wear all day. These earphones are packed with balanced armature drivers, which ups the mids to increase crispness.

It should be noted that the inline controls built into headphones only properly work with Apple products. You’ll still get the same performance in, say, an Android phone or a Windows phone, but you won’t be able to increase or decrease the volume.

Specifically targeted to gym-goers, the FreeStyle headphones are stocked with helpful features to help you get the most out of your music during a workout (when you need it the most). It offers a comfy and stable fit and better yet, it’s moisture-resistant design means the FreeStyle can kick it with you through your whole workout, inside or out. The only major downside is that the inline controls are only compatible with iOS.

If you’re in the market for a set of in-ear headphones with pizzazz, the Sony XBA-H1 will be right up your alley. Whether your preference leans toward a more sporty look, or one that is simple, both audiences are served well here.

The hybrid driver unit packs in balanced armature and dynamic designs into one unit, bringing the very best that both have to offer to your ears. This results in booming bass, highs that shine and response that makes your music sound more punchy than ever.